Public urged to sleep out in Mansfield so others don't have to

16Jan2018

by Neil Skinner

Framework is urging people in the Mansfield area to experience a single night of rough sleeping in March – and sleep out so others don’t have to.

Framework, which supports thousands of people across the East Midlands, will hold its annual Mansfield Big Snore sponsored sleep out event on Friday, March 23rd at West Nottinghamshire College’s Derby Road campus in Mansfield.

The event, sponsored for the first time by Nottingham Building Society, will this year take on a colourful circus-theme – carrying on a tradition of a fun, family event held in aid of a very serious cause

Framework Fundraising Manager Chris Senior said: “Street homelessness is a significant problem in Mansfield, where members of our street outreach team regularly with people who are experiencing serious physical and mental ill-health. Taking part in the Mansfield Big Snore is a great way to demonstrate your concern, learn more about this issue and raise funds to support people in need.

“The Big Snore is a fun and family-friendly event in aid of a most serious cause. With this year’s circus theme there’s a chance to enjoy some great entertainment and even learn new skills. Taking part in the Big Snore is truly an experience to remember and we look forward to welcoming people to this year’s event.

“I am also especially grateful to our sponsors, Nottingham Building Society, whose support of this event ensures that even more money gets to where it needs to be.”

Event participants are encouraged to spend a night in a cardboard box in return for sponsorship money from friends, family and colleagues. The event will be held in a safe, secure area of the college grounds between 7pm and 6am.

Money raised at this year’s event will support the work of Framework’s Street Outreach Team, which supports people sleeping on the street into accommodation and treatment.

Tony Gibney, Manager at The Nottingham’s Stockwell Gate Branch, added: “Much of our work as a society is about supporting people to enjoy the comfort and security of their own home, so homelessness and rough sleeping are causes very close to our heart as an organisation.

“We are very proud to be sponsoring the Big Snore this year for the first time and look forward to helping Framework make it a great success.”

Principal and chief executive of West Nottinghamshire College, Dame Asha Khemka, said: “We’re very proud to host another Big Snore event at the college. The one we hosted in 2017 was a great success and many students got involved.

“Homelessness is something that students regularly discuss and raise awareness of amongst their peers. They’ve organised a number of money raising initiatives for homeless charities and I am confident they will do their best for this year’s Big Snore sleep out at the college.”

The event, which raised more than £20,000 last year, was begun by members of St Mark’s Church, Mansfield, in 2004, to raise money to buy a new washing machine for the Sherwood Street Hostel. Since them the event has grown and grown, and this year hopes to raise £25,000.

Framework asks for all participants to raise a minimum of £50. Securing your place requires a small payment – a non-refundable £10 fee for adults and £5 for people aged 5-16 years. People under 18 cannot take part individually: responsible adults must complete registration for minors.